10 Must-Try Southern Side Dishes
This group of ten of the best Southern side dishes offers a taste of tradition and a pinch of nostalgia, perfect for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or just when you’re in the mood for some soul-soothing comfort food. From leafy turnip greens to creamy classic potato salad, and the sweet-tangy charm of copper pennies, these recipes show a glimpse of the rich diversity and timeless appeal of Southern cooking.
Old Fashioned Copper Pennies
Total time: 25 minutes (plus 8 hours chill time)
Level: Beginner
Main ingredients: Canned tomato soup, carrots, onions, bell peppers, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce
Learn more and get the recipe: Old Fashioned Copper Pennies
Old fashioned, vintage recipes are the very best in my book! One of my favorites from years gone by is this Old Fashioned Copper Pennies recipe. It’s a simple combination of marinated sweet and sour carrots, onions, and bell peppers that may be served as either a side dish or salad.
Southern Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
Total time: 30 minutes
Level: Beginner
Main ingredients: Whole okra, tomatoes, onions, bacon drippings
Learn more and get the recipe: Southern Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
Southern Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is a classic pairing of two delicious vegetables that makes the perfect side dish for almost any traditional southern meal. And you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes!
Black Eyed Pea Salad
Total time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours standing time)
Level: Beginner
Main ingredients: Canned black eyed peas, onion, garlic, olive oil, vinegar
Learn more and get the recipe: Black Eyed Pea Salad
My Southern marinated Black Eyed Pea Salad is a versatile and effortless side dish for your next picnic or potluck dinner. It takes 15 minutes to make and lasts for days in the fridge. You’ll love the earthy flavor from the peas combined with the bright, tangy marinade!
Stick of Butter Rice
Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Level: Beginner
Main ingredients: Butter, rice, onion, canned beef consomme, cream of mushroom soup
Learn more and get the recipe: Stick of Butter Rice
My Stick of Butter Rice is a recipe that even your pickiest eater will love! It’s a luscious combination of buttery, beefy rice that makes a great side dish for almost any occasion. It’s just as perfect for Christmas dinner as it is for Fourth of July or just any old Tuesday night.
Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans
Total time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Level: Beginner
Main ingredients: Fresh green beans, ham hock
Learn more and get the recipe: Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans
My low and slow method for cooking Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans with its beautiful, smoky ham hock broth for flavoring will take you straight to the country no matter where you live!
Southern Turnip Greens
Total time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Level: Beginner
Main ingredients: Fresh turnip greens, bacon fat, salt
Learn more and get the recipe: Southern Turnip Greens Recipe
Enjoy a memorable taste of the South with this updated Southern Turnip Greens recipe. It’s about as country as a recipe can be, packed with flavor and nostalgia but updated with a modern, slightly healthier cooking method.
Southern Potato Salad
Total time: 30 minutes
Level: Beginner
Main ingredients: Potatoes, mayonnaise, celery, onion, sweet pickle relish, pimiento
Learn more and get the recipe: Southern Potato Salad
What’s the perfect dish to bring to any potluck? Why, this classic Southern Potato Salad recipe, of course! With its steamed, tender potatoes, celery, pickle relish, and a dressing made from mayonnaise and yellow mustard, this recipe goes with nearly anything and is great year round.
Southern Deviled Eggs
Total time: 20 minutes
Level: Beginner
Main ingredients: Eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish
Learn more and get the recipe: Traditional Southern Deviled Eggs
Traditional Southern Deviled Eggs are a classic for a reason! They’re simply the perfect side dish for any party, barbecue, cook-out, or holiday. This classic recipe is easy, quick, and delicious!
Hot Water Cornbread
Total time: 15 minutes
Level: Beginner
Main ingredients: Cornmeal, hot water, salt (plus oil for frying)
Learn more and get the recipe: Easy Hot Water Cornbread
Light and fluffy on the inside with a crispy, crunchy exterior, this rustic and easy Hot Water Cornbread recipe is a classic Southern treat! All you need are four ingredients and about 15 minutes to make the best fried cornbread you ever put in your mouth!
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Level: Beginner
Main ingredients: Sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, pecans
Learn more and get the recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
This delicious heritage recipe for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole starts with a smooth, buttery layer of cooked sweet potatoes and is topped with a simple pecan streusel. It’s a side dish worthy of supporting the turkey and cornbread dressing at any southern holiday table.